Is high blood pressure that is controlled by medication considered a pre-existing condition?

Answer 1

== == Yes. Check the policy definition. Here's the def. for Small Groups in CA (q) "Preexisting condition provision" means a policy provision that excludes coverage for charges or expenses incurred during a specified period following the insured's effective date of coverage, as to a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received during a specified period immediately preceding the effective date of coverage. 10708. (a) Preexisting condition provisions of health benefit plans shall not exclude coverage for a period beyond six months following the individual's effective date of coverage and may only relate to conditions for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment, including the use of prescription medications, was recommended by or received from a licensed health practitioner during the six months immediately preceding the effective date of coverage. (c) In determining whether a preexisting condition provision or a waiting period applies to any person, a plan shall credit the time the person was covered under creditable coverage,

Answer 2

It depends on how an individual insurance company sees the condition. During the underwriting process, most cholesterol issues are handled on a case by case basis. Depending on the actual cholesterol readings, some companies will either give you an increased monthly premium (rate-up) or place a rider on the condition. A rider on the condition means that if you went to your doctor specifically for your high choloesterol, the office visit may not be paid for by the insurance company.